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Updated: Nov 16, 2025
Advanced 3D Liver Models for In vitro Genotoxicity Testing Following Long-Term Nanomaterial Exposure
Published on: June 5, 2020
Cytotoxicity, Retention, and Anti-inflammatory Effects of a CeO2 Nanoparticle-Based Supramolecular Complex in a 3D
Christoph Eilenberger1,2,3, Florian Selinger1,2,3, Mario Rothbauer1,2,3,4
1Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics and Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria.
Abstract:
Both cerium oxide (CeOx) nanoparticles and mefenamic acid (MFA) are known anti-inflammatory agents with hepatoprotective properties and are therefore prescribed for one of the major diseases in the world, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To study the potential cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effects as well as drug retention of a potential therapeutic CeOx/MFA supramolecular complex, a well-standardized hepatic (HepG2) spheroid model was used. Results showed that the highest cytotoxicity for the CeOx/MFA supramolecular complex was found at 50 μg/mL, while effective doses of 0.1 and 1 μg/mL yielded a significant decrease of TNF-α and IL-8 secretion. Time-resolved analysis of HepG2 spheroids revealed a spatiotemporal distribution of the supramolecular complex and limited clearance from the internal microtissue over a period of 8 days in cultivation. In summary, our results point at rapid uptake, distribution, and biostability of the supramolecular complex within the HepG2 liver spheroid model as well as a significant anti-inflammatory response at noncytotoxic levels.
